SICILIAN PROVERBS

Acknowledgements

Language translation is clearly an art. As readers, we all value good translations. Edward FitzGerald's translation of the Rubáiyát Of Omar Khayyám together with Robert Pinsky's translation of Dante's Inferno represent two of the very best examples of the art.

As an amateur translator, I've approached the task with a sense of excitement and respect. I have tried to produce an honest piece of work that captures the spirit of the text. Of course, I'm sure I've made more than my share of errors, from mere typographical to profound. I will not be surprised to learn that I have missed the real meaning of some of the proverbs. Nor am I sure that I have successfully balanced the English rendering of each proverb's translation between the letter and the spirit.

This is the umpteenth version of some parts of the translation. But, most significantly, the first draft was graciously edited by the illustrious Joseph Bellestri. I've incorporated most of his original edits to the best of my ability.

Hopefully, I haven't introduced too many new errors, so that my balancing act will not elicit too many "Tradutturi, tradituri!" (Translator, traitor!) exclamations from the reader.